Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today the appointment of Louisville Metro Councilwoman Denise Bentley to a position within the administration.Bentley will serve as a liaison to the Louisville Metro and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government councils under the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD).She will work closely with both councils to allow for a direct line of communication between the local officials, their staffs and the Governor’s Office.

Bentley will officially announce her resignation as First District Councilwoman tomorrow during the Louisville Metro Council meeting.

“Louisville and Lexington represent approximately 25 percent of the total population of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher.“As vital economic engines of the state, it is critical that we maintain a strong dialogue regarding the issues and concerns facing those areas.Councilwoman Bentley brings a unique perspective as a community leader that will serve as an asset as we work with both local governments."

“As the only merged/consolidated governments in the state, Louisville and Lexington have issues and concerns that are unique to their particular cities,” said GOLD Commissioner Darrell D. Brock, Jr.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in the capacity as liaison,” stated Councilwoman Denise Bentley.“As a member of the council, I am excited about the possibilities for collaboration between the state and the Louisville Metro and Urban County Governments.”

Bentley served as chair of the Human Services Committee which focused on issues such as homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, and domestic violence.She is a spokesperson for Kentucky African Americans Against Cancer as well as a local and national spokesperson for the “Say No to Drugs” campaign.

Bentley is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women, the Kentucky Criminal Justice Council, and the Black Women for Political Action.In addition, she has received numerous awards such as the 2002 Presentation Academy Tower Award, the Citizen of the Year Award, the Phenomenal Woman Award, and the Martin Luther King Non-Violence Award.Through her membership with the American Council of Young Political Leaders, she was also award the distinct honor of being selected as a United States delegate to travel to India in an effort to improve relations between the two countries.